LAKELAND – In a devastating incident early Tuesday morning, a 15-year-old Lakeland student lost his life after being struck by a school bus while riding his bike. The Lakeland Police Department responded to the crash near Pipkin Road and White Egret Lane just before 7 a.m.
The victim was riding his bike to school when he attempted to cross the street, colliding with a Schools of McKeel Academy school bus. Despite the immediate response from law enforcement, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department, Crabtree was pronounced dead after being transported to Lakeland Regional Health.
The Police Chief described the incident as a “horrific accident,” emphasizing the tragedy occurring just 20 days before Christmas. The 71-year-old bus driver, unharmed in the crash, was not speeding and stopped promptly.
Eight students, aged 8-11, who attended South McKeel Academy and McKeel Academy Central, were on the bus during the incident. The victim was a student at Central Florida Aerospace Academy.
The superintendent of Polk County Public Schools expressed deep sorrow for the family and community, offering counseling support to students and staff. The Police Chief acknowledged the lack of a crosswalk at the accident site, noting ongoing development in the area.
The road closure lasted approximately four hours for the police investigation. Residents voiced concerns about the intersection’s safety, advocating for a stoplight. City officials stated the road is county-maintained, and the county, in a released statement, explained delays in constructing a stoplight due to supply chain shortages.
Despite ongoing construction efforts, residents fear that without immediate safety measures, tragedies like this may occur again. The county expects a six-month delay in completing the stoplight construction, with additional safety features, including a pedestrian crosswalk.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the victims following this accident in Lakeland, Florida.
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